As an entrepreneur, you know that running a business can be a whirlwind.

From working long hours to making demanding decisions each day, you face a lot of pressure to succeed, which unfortunately can often leave little room for anything else in your life. But neglecting your work-life balance can be detrimental not only to your physical, mental, and financial well-being but also to your business. The good news? It is possible to fortify both by making self-care a priority.

Why self-care matters

At some point, you’ve likely found yourself working twelve-hour days, seven days a week, either to ensure that your business continues to function smoothly, push it into a new phase, or put out fires that may have sprung up. And though determination and passion can propel you through such efforts initially, burnout may be right around the corner. After all, it’s unsustainable for anyone to dedicate so much energy to one area of focus; without time to rest and rejuvenate through socializing, hobbies, and other fulfilling activities, you may become completely drained and unable to do any task effectively.

That’s why striking a healthy balance is paramount to your success. You are the foundation of your organization, and just like you wouldn’t build a home on shaky ground, you don’t want to destabilize your business by not investing in making yourself as strong of a leader as you can be. When you prioritize your personal health and happiness, you may find that you not only have more energy and positivity but can also make better decisions for your business and its day-to-day operations.

Make time for yourself

It’s important to give your mind and body the time they need to relax, recover, and recharge so you can function as the best version of yourself. So just as you schedule meetings and tasks, carve out time in your calendar for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Make this “me” time a nonnegotiable part of your weekly routine, and you may soon feel your stress easing, overall improving your mental well-being so you can return to work with a clearer mind.

Set boundaries

To help protect your “me” time, establish boundaries between work and your personal life. Designate specific hours for work, and commit to setting it aside completely once those hours are up. This means leaving projects in the office and not checking work-related texts and emails while off the clock. Of course, it can feel difficult to step away from your business as its leader, which is where the importance of delegating responsibilities comes into play. By relying more on your team leaders to take ownership of specific tasks, you can lighten your workload and, as a bonus, foster a sense of trust and empowerment within your team.

Establish goals

Just as you do for your business, make sure to set goals for yourself. Whether you’re hoping to learn a new skill or develop relationships with other entrepreneurs in your area, these aspirations will give purpose to all your actions, both in business and life. Even more, they will help you establish a more concrete plan for how you’re going to succeed. For instance, in order to connect with more business owners this year, you could see if there are any local organizations or meetings you can join. This is a great way to get to know others who experience hurdles and situations similar to yours, which can inspire new solutions or ideas for your business.

Continue studying

A healthy leader is one who is continually learning and growing in their personal and professional abilities. This could be as small as scrolling social media each morning for updates on the latest industry trends or as involved as attending workshops or enrolling in online courses to enhance your skills. (Check out the guide in this issue for top platforms to consider.) And don’t hesitate to seek support from mentors, peers, or other professionals. When you surround yourself with individuals who inspire and uplift you, you’ll have access to valuable guidance and perspectives that can help you get through any challenging time.

Remember, investing in yourself is essential for your long-term success and the prosperity of your business. By making your health and happiness a priority, you can not only enhance your own well-being but also set the stage for greater success and fulfillment in all areas of your life.

TAKE ACTION:
Examine your current work-life balance, and determine how you can make more time for yourself and prioritize your well-being.